Latest reviews

Jayne Wood reviewed: Business candle making workshop - one to one

"I attended the business workshop on Tuesday 29th Jan, what a great course and Kerry was amazing, lots learnt and so friendly and a lovely warm welcome. Kerry has given me so much information ready to start my own business. Also continuing support through emails. I can't recommend this workshop enough. Thankyou Kerry."

Pam reviewed: 4 day course in upholstery, soft furnishings or loose covers

"Excellent weekend, made to feel welcome from the moment I walked through the door. Angie is an inspiring tutor and imparts many years of knowledge and tips to help with chosen upholstery project. The accommodation and food were fantastic and the whole weekend felt like a retreat. Would definitely recommend."

Debbie Stevens reviewed: Photography Days

"Excellent enthusiasm and patience throughout my one day workshop. Would highly recommend them."

Art by Camera responded:

"Thanks, Debbie. It was lovely to see the images you had been taken recently. We loved your dedication to getting up and out in time to catch the early light."

Cheryl reviewed: Make your very own Tote bag

"I had an absolutely fantastic day. From the outset Richard was friendly, willing to help and answered any questions we had. The day started out with choosing the leather we wanted to use. Richard explained how to cut it, the different tools we should use, and the numerous ways we could customise the bag. We learnt how to cut, rivet, hand-stitch and burnish; (I've probably missed a couple of techniques off the list). We also received a list of places to where we could buy tools and leather for any future items you may want to make. There were endless cups of tea and biscuits too :-) I would recommend this course to anyone interested in leather or anyone who would just like to try something new; and the best part is that you create a high quality bag that will last for a very long time."

Jack reviewed: Small Leather Goods Workshop

"The workshop was excellent, Richard has a wealth of knowledge and I learnt a lot from him throughout the 4 hours we were in his workshop. The materials and tools available were great and I was proud of what I produced bu the end. I’ll definitly be visiting Richard again to do one of his other workshops!"

Brooke reviewed: Business candle making workshop - one to one

"Kerry was a fantastic fount of knowledge. I’d be making candles for a long time but very small batch for myself only and wanted to find out the technical formula as well as legal requirements and suppliers. Kerry generously shared all the information I need to get started in business for myself. I feel confident to dive right in now. Highly recommended!"

Maria Elliott reviewed: Two day Free Machine Embroidery workshop

"Ruth is a very accomplished artist and I learnt a lot during my 2 day course. Ruth was very accommodating when it came to my goals. I acquired new skills, learnt to handle different threads and fabrics and feel ready to explore by myself. It is good to work on a 1:1 basis with a tutor. Thank you for an enjoyable 2 days, Maria"

Claire oak reviewed: Stacking Rings Experience Session

"I would highly recommend this course ☺️ Absolutely fab tuition with helpful,friendly highly skilled staff 5 stars all the way ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️"

Nicole Padmore-Cheesman reviewed: Natural skincare workshops at Touch of Beauty (full day)

"I had a great time with Sue during the workshop she is very friendly and full of excellent knowledge ..... she also modified some of the ingredients to suit my individual vegan and pregnant needs....☺️Which I was very grateful for ☺️ The workshops exceeded my expectations , the equipment, ingredients and information given was all clean , natural and very helpful. I went home with a bag full of goodies which I had made in the day which I’ve really enjoyed and felt the benefits from at home ...! I would highly recommend these workshops to anyone who wants to spend the day in a beautiful setting making amazing natural products and who wants to learn all the information and techniques to be self sufficient in making your own natural beauty and bath products....☺️ Thanks again Sue Much appreciated ☺️ Nicole ?"

Touch of Beauty responded:

"Hi Nicole, Thank you for your lovely review. It was a pleasure to meet you. I was glad that we could tailor the ingredients so that they were both safe as you are pregnant and also met your vegan requirements. That`s the beauty (pardon the pun) of making your own products, you choose what goes into them. Thank you for your great comments on the workshop overall and the venue. We feel it is the perfect place to spend the day enjoying learning and being creative. Take care and can`t wait to hear news of your baby when it arrives. Sue"

Lotti Rains reviewed: One-to-One Private workshop

"My friend and I booked in for a one day copper foil two people course with this artist. We had a fabulous day, learned loads, had fun, created some beautiful pieces of art work. Gigha is a patient and kind teacher with a great sense of humour. Her workshop is warm and cosy full of her beautiful art works which give you so much inspiration. Thank you so much for a great day, we will be back again."

Jo Surtees reviewed: 4 day course in upholstery, soft furnishings or loose covers

"I cannot recommend this course enough! As a keen basic sewer, I'd always wanted to try upholstery. This course felt like a mini retreat, from the moment I arrived I was made to feel completely at ease and welcomed into Angie's fabulous home. Angie's enthusiasm and and joy she brings to teaching and all things upholstery knows no bounds. I stayed at the house and enjoyed the most delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner in fabulous company (only available for the 4 days course) which again added to the whole wonderful experience. With only 3 individuals on the course, the teaching was near one to one and tailored to each of us. I learnt so much, not only from my project, but from also from my fellow course mates. Angie also went that extra mile to help me make up a "mock" box cushion for a future project. An utter joy, thank you."

Easan reviewed: Wheel thrown mug workshop

"We booked onto a 2.5 hour beginners pottery course for the two of us (at very late notice!) and had a great time! We arrived at the studio in its beautiful rural setting and had some coffee and brownies on arrival. Jack was excellent at explaining the technique and we were very quickly into it. We made 3 pots each (of varying shapes and sizes!) under very close supervision and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! Highly recommended to all!"

Holly reviewed: Fabulous fused glass jewellery for beginners

"The glass Jewellery workshop with Eleanor was fantastic. she is a great teacher and taught us lots of different fusing techniques in a very short time which we were able to put into practice and fire in the kiln. I made some pendants using dichroic glass and some with copper inclusions and textured paper and decals. I also experimented with painting with copper oxide and reactive glass . The course was very well structured and Eleanor was very attentive to all the students and explained all the techniques very clearly. It is a lovely studio with a small group of students. I didn’t want the workshop to end ! I am very inspired to continue and develop the techniques I learnt and I am looking forward to doing another course in the future . Highly recommended !"

Eleanor Designs responded:

"Hello Holly, thank you for your lovely review - it was delightful to have you on the course exploring so many creative techniques. I really look forward to seeing how you combine them with your beautiful artworks and bee-keeping interests too! I really liked the wide variety of bubbled glass pieces you made, the turquoise on red is very interesting isn't it? I look forward to you coming back and learning more soon! Thanks again! Eleanor"

Joe Duirwyn reviewed: Spoon carving course - from log to spoon with Jeffrey Hart

"Learning Spoon carving with Jeffrey is The Best! His intruction is clear and easy to follow and he is a keen observer of your process, which means he can offer insightful tweaks and adjustments to get you carving safely and confidently in very little time. I was really impressed with my first spoon and (my obvious talent notwithstanding) I would put that down to jeffreys excellent teaching style. Highly reccomended!"

Jane reviewed: Crafts in the Valley - Felted Pictures Workshop in Cragg Vale, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

"What a wonderful way to spend a Sunday ! Melanie and Linda were just brilliant from the very moment I arrived (a little too early in my over enthusiasm) to the minute I left. THANK YOU THANK YOU for your support, instruction and expert guidance. Would love to do it all over again. Thank you for being so generous with your wools. I loved the food too. Cobbles and Clay is such a lovely sanctuary. Jane x"

Diana James reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Absolutely fantastic!"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Di. Hoping it was warm enough for you! Jonathan"

Bethany Green reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"A very good day, beautiful setting, beautiful jewellery, thank you"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Beth - very kind words. Well done with your jewellery making and good luck with your future crafting activities! Jonathan"

Camille Peplow reviewed: One day silver jewellery making in Worcestershire.

"Amazing day. We had a great laugh and learnt so much. Jonathan has the most amazing approach and outlook. Fab!!"

Salt Way Silver responded:

"Thank you Camille for bringing your workforce along - it was a great day and lovely to meet you all- the jewellery was pretty impressive in the end - and yes, we had a good laugh! Jonathan"

Sue Evans reviewed: Glass Bead Making Workshop - For Two People

"A thoroughly enjoyable activity, very peaceful and highly recommended. Julia gives expert demos then gently guides you through as you make your own beads. I was very impressed how much was achieved and love wearing the beads on a bar brooch."

Jenny Holland reviewed: The natural health chest: assemble your own herbal medicine chest for health and wellbeing

"I have thoroughly enjoyed Rowan’s herbal courses and have continued to recommend them to everyone! There is something rather magical about walking into Rowan’s home, being greeted like a friend and sitting down to a fresh mug of delicious herbal tea. It’s a feast for the senses with all kinds of smells and lots of herbs in various bottles and bags on the kitchen table waiting to be chatted about, measured, simmered and stirred. Rowan has a wealth of knowledge and shares this informally and professionally, ready to answer questions as they arise. The courses are well structured with lots of practical work. Everything from identifying plants in her beautiful garden, collecting leaves, roots and berries to making concoctions. Having a seasonal lunch with yummy homemade cake adds to the whole experience. I have come away feeling empowered and energised and still use many of the recipes that Rowan shared. Rowan’s medicine course has completely changed my approach to dealing with the inevitable family sicknesses and I now have a stash of herbs that I use frequently for coughs, colds, temperatures and tummy bugs. Thank you Rowan for passing on your knowledge, it’s vital!"

Rowan Mconegal responded:

"Thanks Jenny, really pleased that you found the course so useful and empowering, and are going to carry on using this precious knowledge."

Amanda Drury reviewed: Lino cutting course - Laura Andrew Art Studio, Lincoln - Linocut lino printing

"I had a blissful day carving away at the lino and creating a series of prints. Laura is an excellent teacher, really patient and attentive, inspiring us with her artworks and the possibilities of what can be done. Lunch was also nice. I would highly recommend"

Robert Nancy reviewed: Stacking rings Warwickshire

"Booked this for my wife as a Birthday present and to say she was delighted is an understatement. The day did not disappoint, her rings are really impressive and she said it was a great experience."

Carol Huie reviewed: Fabulous fused glass jewellery for beginners

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course. I wondered what could I possibly make and at the end had made cufflinks, pendants, beads, earrings and broaches. The sparkling vibrancy of the pieces that I’ve made has made me keenly look for another course with the tutor, Eleanor. The studio is a treasure in just the right location. The content, findings and the duration of the course was spot on. Well worth doing."

Eleanor Designs responded:

"Thank you Carol! It was great to have you on my course and see you explore glass as a new medium for your jewellery making. Well done, you should be proud of your beautiful pieces! I hope to see you again soon!"

Kim Metcalf reviewed: Needle felted Dogs & Cats in (Halifax)

"This is a great course if you want to have a go at this craft for the first time, or even if you have done some before. With Jo's expert guidence you can leave after the single day with a finished animal - made to a high standard. Jo's method is very sculptural so you gain confidence in building your model from the ground up - no cheating wires or frames that you would find in starter kits ! Its a great way to spend a day, very good value, a great teacher and a lovely venue. Highly recommended."

Chris reviewed: Introduction to Soft Pastels 10-week face-to-face art course in Kidderminster West Midlands

"I am currently attending the Fundamental Art Course with Raya Brown. She is so encouraging and has a great deal of patience! She explains techniques in an easily understood manner and makes each lesson a pleasure...you leave feeling a sense of achievement and looking forward to the next one! Practice at home is now addictive for me! I have also been to several Wool Painting workshops with Raya Brown and these have been fantastic also....a new hobby! Continue doing what you are doing Raya Brown!"